1858 1C Small Letters PR66 NGC. Snow-PR3. Ex: PQ. Low Leaves
Reverse. Broken U Hub. Of the four Small Letters proof Flying Eagle
cents, this die pairing is easily distinguished by the broken punch
at the top of the U in UNITED. Rick Snow states that these proofs
were most likely issued as part of the 12-piece pattern sets issued
this year, and he also lists them in the pattern section of his
book as PT9. He also believes the PR3 coins were struck in addition
to the 100 or so proofs of the Small Letters subtype, bringing the
total mintage for Small Letters proofs to approximately 130 pieces.
The fields on this piece are deeply mirrored on each side and the
devices are also lightly frosted, giving a slightly contrasted
appearance. The strike is full in all areas, and the color is
light, as one would expect from a well-preserved copper-nickel
cent. Yellowish-tan with just a touch of magenta is seen over each
side. Census: 4 in 66 (1 in 66+), 0 finer
(11/13).(Registry
values: N10218) (NGC ID# 227D, PCGS# 2043)